Pachycondyla Smith

Yoshimura, M. & Fisher, B. L., 2007, A revision of male ants of the Malagasy region (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Key to subfamilies and treatment of the genera of Ponerinae., Zootaxa 1654, pp. 21-40 : 34-38

Pachycondyla Smith , F., 1858

(Fig. 9)

Males winged. Antennal scrobe absent. Mandibles reduced in size. If triangular in form (one species) then the masticatory margins do not completely overlap each other even when fully closed. Basal cavity of mandible extends to its front face. Basal cavity visible in full-face view in species with reduced mandibles, but invisible in species with triangular mandible. Notauli not impressed on mesoscutum in large species but clearly impressed in several medium or small species. Mesepimeron bearing distinct (epimeral) lobe posterodorsally, lobe covering mesothoracic spiracle and forming a seemingly isolated plate. Dorsolateral corner of petiole in anterior view without distinct projection, usually evenly rounded. Apical margin of abdominal tergum VIII projecting strongly into sharp spine in most cases, though spine lacking in several small species. Jugal lobe of hind wing present in most but not all species. Each middle and hind tibia with two spurs. Claws simple or with one or two preapical teeth, but never multidentate or pectinate.

Remarks. This genus (sensu Bolton 1995) is now considered to be paraphyletic (P. S. Ward unpublished). In the region, the males are divided into four distinct groups (Table 1). We keep these groups separate to facilitate naming them once a new generic classification for Pachycondyla is developed based on molecular work.

Each is characterized by a combination of characters in the notauli, the terminal spine on abdominal tergum VIII, and the jugal lobe (Table 1). Section 01 consists of large, blackish-colored males (Figs. 9a-e), section 02 of small, yellowish-colored males (Figs. 9f-i), section 03 includes males having somewhat developed mandibles, and section 04 consists of reddish-colored males having a clypeus as long as males in Leptogenys . Several sections are similar to other genera; characters distinguishing Pachycondyla from those genera are given under the respective genera.